Something Stinks.

So, as Nepal is a considered a "least developed country," or socially inaccurately, "third world," one would expect some parts of daily life to be shocking. I do expect to be shocked, but rarely have I been as shocked than in the last week. In the last week, I have witnessed the failure of this country's leaders to protect the rights of citizens, manage infrastructure and diplomatically handle disputes. Among other problems, the garbage on the streets is getting unbearable. I am used to a little garbage here and there (although to most it would be jarring) but these days the piles of garbage on every corner are suffocating the streets, businesses and the air. The smell is beyond potent and the open sight of another man's garbage is never fun.

It is monsoon season so it rains daily and the garbage floats into the streets and sidewalks- it is a breeding ground for disease. The problem is, people eat street food that is prepared literally next to garbage heaps. The garbage is carried away in floods to water sources for drinking and is causing increased cases of jaundice, cholera, hepatitis, diarrhea and other water-borne diseases. It is heartbreaking to watch people rummaging through these garbage piles looking to salvage food, cooking materials and clothes. The ever-present street cows join them in stamping through the garbage looking for scraps.

Why is the garbage not being picked up by the city? Well, first and foremost their have been transportation strikes in the city due to an increase in petrol prices. Drivers have been striking to demand higher fares for public transport and delivery services. One of the main reasons, though, is that people are obstructing the city from dumping garbage at nearby landfill sites. That means that people are standing at the gates to the landfill and not letting trucks dispose of the garbage. They are creating obstructions on roads leading to the landfill site demanding that be provided money for the repair of local schools and the construction of new roads. Are you kidding me? Nothing should surprise me anymore, but this is incredible. So the city's inability to dump the garbage spawns from its inability to provide adequate education for the people. The striking culture in Nepal is out of control. Groups hold protests and call city-wide strikes on a whim. It cripples daily life and sets the country's development back two fold. I am thinking about protesting my right to clean air in Kathmandu. I am going to threaten to create green spaces in the city. They will hate that. It is almost crazy enough to work- only in Nepal.

As the garbage piles up and stench and disease spread, life goes on in the city. People, including myself, just step around the piles and continue with a polite hand-cover of the nose. I hope this thing gets sorted out soon. It is a public health disaster and it certainly effects the tourism industry. "Hey, welcome to Nepal. On your right you can see Pashupati Temple, one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world. And on your right you can see a Himalayan-size garbage heap that is about one month old. Enjoy your stay." T.I.N." This is Nepal.